NEWSLETTER

Ikebana, Facing The Sun

Ikebana, Facing The Sun

According to legend, Ikebana was born of the natural debris of a storm. Ripped branches were collected by monks and arranged to find perfect balance as it is in nature: calm after the chaos. Having studied in the field of plant biochemistry, Cynthia Fan has spent recent years interacting with plants on a molecular level in the lab. Through the art of Ikebana, however, she works with natural forms in a completely new way.

Cynthia knows most about the Ohara school of Ikebana. Mentored by the student of an elderly master, only a trained eye can find the true harmony. ¬†Yet, guided by a formula of three elements, composition takes shape in the quest to find perfect stillness. Where emptiness is harnessed, line draws us in. The principle stem guides the eye to the sun. The object, the seductive flower, faces the sun. The filler grounds the composition, covering a fraction of the vessel. All towards the sun.

Cynthia Fan‚Äôs Ikebana is making us pay attention. She is finding beauty in things she never would‚Äôve noticed before, don‚Äôt underestimate the beauty of a branch.